Bangkok: Bhumibol Dam has been declared stable with no need to open its spillway, according to Mr. Paitoon Kengkanchang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR). He reported that the dam's water inflow is equal to its outflow, calming concerns about potential spillway operations similar to those in 2011.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paitoon shared updates on his personal Facebook page, noting that the morning's water inflow at Bhumibol Dam was 65 million cubic meters, aligning with expectations. He reassured that there is no immediate need to open the spillway, and plans are in place to gradually reduce the discharge rate if the water level stabilizes, which would help ease the water situation downstream.
Mr. Paitoon emphasized ongoing efforts to manage the water levels in various river basins, stating that the Nan and Yom waters are decreasing, and the Ping River is receding. There is an increase in water diversion from the west and east, and the Pa Sak River is being reduced. As sea levels recede, coordinated efforts will bring water to the sea, while relief efforts are heightened for areas affected by dam bursts and prolonged flooding. Long-term projects are under consideration for clear implementation.
He further detailed that downstream management includes reducing water from the Nan, Yom, and Sakae Krang rivers, increasing water diversion into eastern and western fields, and reducing water release from the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam to support the Chao Phraya Dam downstream.
The current water situation in the Chao Phraya River basin shows stable flow rates across several key points, including the Ping, Nan, and Chao Phraya rivers, with minor fluctuations in water levels and flow rates at various monitoring stations. The Bhumibol Dam currently holds 13,405.99 million cubic meters of water, with room for additional capacity before reaching critical levels.